From our perspective as carnations, our roots despise being waterlogged. Soggy, compacted soil is a death sentence, leading to root rot and suffocation. Therefore, the primary demand we have for your DIY mix is exceptional drainage and aeration. We require a loose, fluffy medium that allows water to flow through freely while still holding onto just enough moisture for our roots to access. A base of coarse horticultural sand or perlite is non-negotiable. These inorganic components create vital air pockets, ensuring our roots can breathe and preventing the dreaded stagnation that compromises our entire system.
While we need sharp drainage, we are not succulents; we still require consistent moisture and nutrients to support our flowering efforts. This is where a high-quality, sterile potting soil or loam comes in. It acts as the reservoir, holding both water and nutrients. However, standard garden soil is a strict prohibition—it is far too dense for containers and often harbors pathogens and pests. To this base, the addition of a small amount of well-rotted compost or leaf mold is greatly appreciated. It provides a gentle, slow-release form of organic nutrients and improves the overall structure of the mix, making it a more hospitable environment for root exploration.
Our ability to access the nutrients you so carefully provide is entirely dependent on the pH of the growing medium. We carnations are particular; we thrive in a slightly alkaline to neutral soil pH, ideally between 6.5 and 7.5. In an acidic mix, essential nutrients like phosphorus become locked away and unavailable to us, leading to poor growth and lackluster blooms. To ensure we can feed efficiently, the inclusion of a handful of agricultural lime or dolomite lime is crucial. This simple amendment adjusts the pH into our preferred range, unlocking the full nutritional potential of the mix and promoting vibrant health.
To translate our needs into a practical recipe, combine the components in the following ratios. Start with two parts sterile potting soil as the nutrient and moisture base. Add one part perlite or coarse horticultural sand—this is for the critical aeration and drainage we insist upon. Then, mix in one part well-rotted compost or coco coir; the compost offers gentle fertility, while coir improves moisture retention without compaction. Finally, for every gallon of this mixture, incorporate one tablespoon of agricultural lime. This ensures the pH is perfectly balanced for our optimal nutrient absorption. Mix all ingredients thoroughly before potting to create a uniform and welcoming home for our root system.
